Mar 26 IT WASN'T ENOUGH - BY TALIA GUTIERREZ

Romans 12:1-2 in the Message version says, "...offer your bodies as living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed."

This is for the girls who have crossed the line before or struggle with temptation. I’m here to tell you that I, too, have been there and I’ve felt the hurt and pain that comes with conformity of this world.

Growing up, I found my joy in the attention from friends. I guess you could say I was considered popular. I loved being life of the party and the outgoing one that would do any dare. I was fearless and I held my importance on what others thought of me. I always had a boyfriend on my arm, a date to any event and when I broke up with one guy, I had another one I was already ready to date. I crossed the line several times plus some. I didn’t care who I hurt along the way, I just knew at that time in my life, being “loved” and “seen" made me feel good. It made me feel like I was enough.

But one day, years later in college, something big happened leaving me with an empty pit in my heart. Everything I thought I had worked so hard to have, just wasn’t enough. I was lost and alone and I was tired of trying to fit in and keep up with everyone.

Romans 12 also says, Place your ordinary life before God- embrace what He does for you- stand out and don’t stoop to others level of immature ways.

So I did just that. I leaned in hard to following Jesus. I confessed all my sins and could literally see how Jesus washed me white as snow. In those moments when I had crossed the line and was left alone feeling empty, Jesus came and wrapped His arms around me. He showed me what it really meant to be “loved” and “seen”. I no longer had to conform or offer my body to feel like I was enough. I was enough! I was uniquely made by the King of this universe and now I can live my everyday, ordinary life: the eating, sleeping, going to work, and walking around life by worshipping the God who saved me. He has transformed me and to that all I can say is thanks be to Jesus!